AMPKA2
a catalytic subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Acts as an energy sensor, playing a key role in regulating cellular energy metabolism. A protein kinase of the CAMKL family whose activation is regulated by the balance between ADP/AMP/ATP, and intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Acts as a metabolic stress-sensing protein kinase switching off biosynthetic pathways when cellular ATP levels are depleted and when 5'-ADP and -AMP rise in response to fuel limitation and/or hypoxia. Activates energy-producing pathways and inhibits energy-consuming processes. Restores ATP levels in cells by switching off anabolic and switching on catabolic pathways. Activated primarily by rising ADP levels and not, as previously thought, solely by AMP. AMPK resembles an adenylate charge regulatory system in which anabolic and catabolic pathways are regulated by adenine nucleotide ratios. Acts via direct phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes and transcription regulators. Regulates fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylating acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Regulates cholesterol synthesis by phosphorylating and inactivating hormone-sensitive lipase and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase. Activated by at least two distinct upstream kinases: the tumor suppressor LKB1 and CaMKK2. Also acts as a regulator of cellular polarity by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton, probably by indirectly activating myosin. AMPK is a heterotrimer of an alpha catalytic subunit (AMPKA1 or -2), a beta (AMPKB1 or -2) and a gamma non-catalytic subunit (AMPKG1, -2 or -3). Different possible combinations of subunits give rise to 12 different holoenzymes. Binding of ADP or AMP to non-catalytic gamma subunit (PRKAG1, -2 or -3) results in allosteric activation. AMPK is activated by antihyperglycemic drug metformin, a drug prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes: in vivo, metformin seems to mainly inhibit liver gluconeogenesis. However, metformin can be used to activate AMPK in muscle and other cells in culture or ex vivo. Selectively inhibited by compound C (6-[4-(2-Piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)]-3-pyridin-4-yl-pyyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine. Activated by resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in red wine, and S17834, a synthetic polyphenol. Salicylate/aspirin directly activates kinase activity. Studies in the mouse suggest that AMPK2 may control whole-body insulin sensitivity and is necessary for maintaining myocardial energy homeostasis during ischemia. Note: This description may include information from UniProtKB.